Barbara Jean Cherry, age 75, went home to our Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2023. She passed away in Starkville, MS after a brief illness. Barbara was born August 13, 1947, in Memphis, TN to Zane Paul Cherry and Robbie Cherry. Barbara lived her entire life in Midtown Memphis.

Barbara pursued her higher education at Memphis State University. She received her Bachelor's and Master's in child psychology. Professionally, Barbara spent her entire career caring for our youth with Shelby County Schools as a child psychologist. She retired in 2012 to devote herself fully to the care of her dear mother. Barbara was a member of the Berclair Church of Christ and a member of Zonta Club Memphis, which supports women in crisis.

Barbara enjoyed lunch with her friends, flowers, cooking, and baking. Animals were one of her greatest passions, as she exemplified through her ardent care of her precious dog, Spencer. She also loved traveling and the pursuit of women and human rights. She was compassionate, intentional, intellectual, and an outgoing extravert. She lived a life serving and giving to others. To know Barbara was to know one of God's angels.

Barbara is survived by her Godchildren, Bart Williams, his wife Cynthia, and their daughters Gracieann and Emily of Starkville, MS; and Joe Williams, his wife Laynie of Bentonville, AR, their daughter Sophie of Fayetteville, AR, and son Allen Wootten, his wife Emily, and son Rory of Fayetteville, AR. Barbara spent her adult life devoted to the upbringing of Bart and Joe, as they grew up in her Midtown neighborhood. She always remained in their lives and rejoiced as the boys expanded their families. Barbara enjoyed births, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and holidays with the boys and their families. She was proud of their many accomplishments. She leaves her dear friend and past neighbor, Jerry Williams of Maben, MS. She was preceded in death by her friend and past neighbor, Clara Simpson Williams of Maben, MS.

Memorial donations can be made to the Memphis Botanic Gardens in honor of Barbara.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Barbara are invited to Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park - East at 2440 Whitten Road in Memphis, TN from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. for visitation. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Services will be officiated by Chris Kramer, pastor at the Berclair Church of Christ.